North Korea recently conducted an engine test at a newly expanded rocket launch site near the West Sea, satellite imagery suggests. Citing satellite photos taken late last week, specialist website 38 North said scorch marks measuring 60 m in length and 27 m in width were spotted south of the launch pad in Tongchang-ri, North Pyongan Province.
A photo of the same location taken last month showed the area covered with foliage.
| Before and after photos at the link. |
38 North said two large structures are being constructed in front of the launch pad, which appear to be storage facilities for oxidizing agents. Once the storage facilities are completed, the North's engine testing capabilities will be strengthened, the website said. But there are no signs of an imminent missile launch. |